“Leadership need to know that when they stand with the grassroots people, we will fully support them”

The founders and organizers of Idle No More support the declaration made by the Mi’kmaq grass roots people in their resistance to the impending framework agreements under the premises of economic opportunities.

“Drastic measures have been implemented with the declaration of a fast by a citizens assembly in the Mi’kmaq community comprised of members from each of the n…eighboring provinces. The lead fasters, who will consume only water throughout the duration, will be Idle No More organizer Shelley Young, a member of Eskasoni First Nation and Jean Sock, a member of the New Brunswick reservation Elsipogtog” (Mi’kmaq Press Release)

The negotiation tables implemented through the Harper government are contrary to the Treaties, Indigenous sovereignty, and are a threat to the environment. The inherent rights of Indigenous peoples are the last line of defense for the collective rights of all Canadians. The drastic choices people are making to resist these policies are reflective of the times that are upon us. The Harper government policies reveal that the people no longer come first. We need to focus on protecting Indigenous sovereignty and our environment. Leadership need to know that when they stand with the grassroots people, we will fully support them. This can be the beginning of what we seem to have lost. Now is the time. We want to thank the leadership who have decided not to support Harpers policies and are working on building alternatives.

Jean Sock and Shelley Young on Day 6 of the hunger strike. Porcupine Lodge, Millbrook, NS. Photo by Bryson Syliboy.

Discussion

Reblogged this on aesmithwriter and commented:
Shelley Young, member of the Eskasoni First Nation, came to our One Billion Rising event last month, and led a Round Dance at the Bridgewater Mall. I looked for her afterwards but couldn’t find her. I wanted to thank her for her leadership, her challenge to the RCMP who were present, and her emotion. She is an impressive person; I will be listening for her voice.

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